scholarly journals Treating Porcine Abscesses With Histotripsy: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Matula ◽  
Yak-Nam Wang ◽  
Tatiana Khokhlova ◽  
Daniel F. Leotta ◽  
John Kucewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Initial Care ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Treatment Volume

AbstractInfected abscesses are walled-off collections of pus and bacteria. They are a common sequela of complications in the setting of surgery, trauma, systemic infections, and other disease states. Current treatment is typically limited to antibiotics with long-term catheter drainage, or surgical wash-out when inaccessible to percutaneous drainage or unresponsive to initial care efforts. Antibiotic resistance is also a growing concern. Although bacteria can develop drug resistance, they remain susceptible to thermal and mechanical damage. In particular, short pulses of focused ultrasound (i.e., histotripsy) generate mechanical damage through localized cavitation, representing a potential new paradigm for treating abscesses non-invasively, without the need for long-term catheterization and antibiotics. In this pilot study, boiling and cavitation histotripsy treatments were applied to subcutaneous and intramuscular abscesses developed in a novel porcine model. Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate abscess maturity, for treatment monitoring and assessment of post-treatment outcomes. Disinfection was quantified by counting bacteria colonies from samples aspirated before and after treatment. Histopathological evaluation of the abscesses was performed to identify changes resulting from histotripsy treatment and potential collateral damage. Cavitation histotripsy was more successful in reducing the bacterial load while having a smaller treatment volume compared with boiling histotripsy. The results of this pilot study suggest focused ultrasound may lead to a technology for in situ treatment of acoustically accessible abscesses.

RADIOGRAPHIC SIGNS OF STATIC CARPAL INSTABILITY WITH DISTAL END RADIUS FRACTURES: IS CURRENT TREATMENT ADEQUATE?

Hand Surgery ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. J. Bunker ◽  
G. Pappas ◽  
P. Moradi ◽  
M. B. Dowd
Keyword(s):  
Current Treatment ◽  
Carpal Instability ◽  
Radiographic Study ◽  
Scapholunate Ligament ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Distal Radial Fractures ◽  
Middlesex Hospital ◽  
Wrist Instability ◽  
Before And After

Patients presenting with distal end radius fractures may have concomitant carpal instability due to disruption of the scapholunate ligament. This study examined the incidence of static radiographic signs of carpal instability in patients with distal radial fractures before and after fracture treatment. We performed a retrospective radiographic study of 141 patients presenting to Central Middlesex Hospital, London between January 2002–May 2004 with distal end radius fractures. We used abnormal scapholunate angle as the primary indicator of possible carpal dissociation. Abnormal scapholunate angles were noted in 39% of patients at presentation and 35% of patients after treatment with no statistically significant intra-patient variability. Persistent static radiographic signs of carpal instability are high in this subset of patients. The long-term morbidity of persistent wrist instability may be avoided by early radiological diagnosis with clinical correlation to identify carpal ligament injuries and initiate treatment that addresses both the bony and ligamentous components of the injury.

scholarly journals Does immunological remission, defined as disappearance of autoantibodies, occur with current treatment strategies? A long-term follow-up study in rheumatoid arthritis patients who achieved sustained DMARD-free status

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 1497-1504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie M Boeters ◽  
Leonie E Burgers ◽  
René EM Toes ◽  
Annette van der Helm-van Mil
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Dmard Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Free Status

ObjectivesSustained disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-free status, the sustained absence of synovitis after cessation of DMARD therapy, is infrequent in autoantibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but approximates cure (ie, disappearance of signs and symptoms). It was recently suggested that immunological remission, defined as disappearance of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF), underlies this outcome. Therefore, this long-term observational study determined if autoantibodies disappear in RA patients who achieved sustained DMARD-free remission.MethodsWe studied 95 ACPA-positive and/or RF-positive RA patients who achieved DMARD-free remission after median 4.8 years and kept this status for the remaining follow-up (median 4.2 years). Additionally, 21 autoantibody-positive RA patients with a late flare, defined as recurrence of clinical synovitis after a DMARD-free status of ≥1 year, and 45 autoantibody-positive RA patients who were unable to stop DMARD therapy (during median 10 years) were studied. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP2) IgG, IgM and RF IgM levels were measured in 587 samples obtained at diagnosis, before and after achieving DMARD-free remission.Results13% of anti-CCP2 IgG-positive RA patients had seroreverted when achieving remission. In RA patients with a flare and persistent disease this was 8% and 6%, respectively (p=0.63). For anti-CCP2 IgM and RF IgM, similar results were observed. Evaluating the estimated slope of serially measured levels revealed that RF levels decreased more in patients with than without remission (p<0.001); the course of anti-CCP2 levels was not different (p=0.66).ConclusionsSustained DMARD-free status in autoantibody-positive RA was not paralleled by an increased frequency of reversion to autoantibody negativity. This form of immunological remission may therefore not be a treatment target in patients with classified RA.

Influence of illumination on inorganic pigments used in Chinese traditional paintings based on Raman spectroscopy

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Dang ◽  
HJ Tan ◽  
G Liu ◽  
N Wang ◽  
DJ Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Colour Change ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Characteristic Peak ◽  
Peak Intensity ◽  
Damage Indicator ◽  
Influence Coefficients ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quantitative Influence

Taking colour difference as the damage indicator for evaluating light sources used for lighting Chinese traditional paintings means we can only judge the photochromic phenomenon, but cannot evaluate the mechanical damage such as cracking, cannot solve the problem that the material has been damaged without any colour change and cannot analyse non-staining cultural relics. In order to solve these problems, this study conducted a long-term illumination experiment on pigment specimens of Chinese traditional painting with light sources commonly used in museums. The Raman spectra of specimens before and after illumination were tested. By analysing the variations of Raman characteristic peak intensity ratios, the quantitative influence and relative influence coefficients of different light sources on the microscopic molecular structure of paintings were studied. Finally, the results of this study were compared with the results of previous research on colour, to determine whether the two sets of results were consistent which would verify the credibility of the research method adopted.

scholarly journals Clinical Efficacy and Safety of ‘Oxy +’ in Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Md Anzar Alam ◽  
Mariyam Ahad ◽  
Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri ◽  
Fasihur Rehman Ansari ◽  
Farooqui Shazia Parveen
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Safety Parameters ◽  
Tingling Sensation

Background and objectives: Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder.Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of around 92% of the population worldwide. Long term hyperglycemia leads to macro and microvascular complications. Oxy+ is a nutraceutical capsule which contains mainly Arthrospira (spirulina). Most of the diabetic people use it. Hence a clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Oxy + in Type 2 Diabetes.Material Methods: The study was designed as a single-blind pilot study; 10 eligible patients of type 2 diabetes were allocated. Oxy+ was given in capsule form; 2 capsules twice daily orally for 45 days after the meal. Test drug was evaluated on subjective parameters at 0th, 15th, 30th and 45th days whereas objective parameters were assessed before and after the treatment. The results of the intervention were analyzed using suitable statistical methods.Results and Observation:The study effects on subjective parameters like polyuria, tiredness, polyphagia, polydipsia, and Tingling Sensation were found significantly reduced. The objective parameters were assessed before and after as Mean ± SD for FBS (164.4±36.019 vs 111.1±25.075), PPBS (248.5±51.70 vs 170.1±45.148) and HbA1c (9.14±1.517 vs 6.95±1.224).The results were analyzed after using paired‘t’ test.Interpretation and Conclusion:The findings about both parameters (subjective and objective) that the ‘Oxy+’ is effective in type 2 diabetes and the cure was considerable. Safety parameters (SGOT, SGPT, Blood Urea, and Serum Creatinine) were remained unchanged. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ‘Oxy+’ would be safe and effective in the management of type 2 diabetes.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 01 January’21 Page: 96-100

Delayed Craniospinal Metastasis of Aggressive Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas as Pituitary Carcinomas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley L. B. Raghu ◽  
Megan C. Everson ◽  
Ahmed Helal ◽  
Satoshi Kiyofuji ◽  
Michelle J. Clarke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Pituitary Neoplasms ◽  
Null Cell ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
High Degree

Abstract Background Clinical behavior of pituitary neoplasms is peculiar and notoriously difficult to predict. While aggressive tumors are common, metastasis is very rare, can be highly delayed, and there are no histological or clinical features to meaningfully predict this happening. Endocrinologically silent tumors are particularly difficult, as there is less opportunity to detect early metastasis. Together, this amounts to a situation of uncertainty over the appropriate management of such tumors before and after metastasis. Case Description The authors report two cases of nonfunctioning aggressive pituitary adenoma (APA) each requiring two transsphenoidal surgeries, a transcranial resection and radiotherapy. Both these tumors subsequently metastasized caudally along the neuraxis, years later, as a null cell carcinoma associated with a germline CHEK2 mutation and a silent Crooke's cell carcinoma. The former represents a novel oncogenetic association. Conclusion Delayed drop dural metastasis of pituitary carcinoma is becoming increasingly recognized. Surgical resection of the distant disease to confirm the diagnosis and relieve the mass effect, followed by temozolomide chemotherapy, is the current treatment of choice. The need for both long-term follow-up in patients with APA, and a high degree of suspicion toward dural-based radiographic findings is emphasized.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study on Behavioural Responses of Shelter Dogs to Olfactory Enrichment

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anouck Haverbeke ◽  
Stefania Uccheddu ◽  
Heidi Arnouts ◽  
Adinda Sannen
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Olfactory Stimulation ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Shelter Dogs ◽  
Through Diffusion

The influence of essential oils (EOs) on emotions has been widely described among humans and animals. Several studies have investigated the effects and the actions of EOs on behaviour, mood and perception. In this study, shelter dogs (n=23) were exposed to olfactory stimulation through diffusion of 9 anxiolytic essential oils in one blend (olfactory enrichment) for 8 weeks in order to check long-term effects on behaviour. First, dog’s postures have been evaluated in both groups before and after exposure. Secondly, in order to collect the preliminary results on the distance necessary to obtain an effect of EOs, dogs were divided in 2 groups according to the distance from the diffuser. Our results indicate that olfactory enrichment with this blend of EOs is related to less time spent by dogs in high posture. More research is needed to investigate a potential gradual effect of distance and concentration of EOs on dog’s welfare. 

Impact of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Salivary pH: An Exploratory Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Divya Kanchibhotla ◽  
Sumeet Ingole ◽  
Shashank Kulkarni ◽  
Bharathi Saisudha
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
Health It ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Salivary Ph ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Term Studies

Introduction: Saliva is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool as it is non-invasive, easily accessible, and less stressful compared to blood sampling. Saliva has a vital role in maintaining oral health. It is necessary for the salivary pH to be neutral in the oral cavity for the optimal functioning of its components. Stress has an effect on salivary pH. Objective: To study the effect of a mind-body intervention like Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) on the salivary pH. Methods and Materials: An exploratory pilot study involving an open trial on 321 healthy individuals who were novice to SKY was conducted. The salivary pH was measured before and after a single 90-min session of SKY. Results: The salivary pH continued to be neutral after the intervention in the group that had initial neutral pH. There was a statistically significant shift of pH towards neutral in both the groups that had either acidic or alkaline pH initially. Conclusion: Mind-body interventions like SKY modulate the salivary pH to bring it to the range of optimal functioning. This pilot study provides information for future long-term studies that can be implemented with measures of anxiety and stress along with measuring other salivary biomarkers.

The role of probiotics in correction of microbiocenosis and cytokine balance of the oral cavity of patient with chronic inflammatory disease of periodont

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-330
Author(s):  
E. S. Ovcharenko ◽  
V. V. Erichev ◽  
S. I. Risovannij ◽  
T. V. Aksenova ◽  
S. V. Melekhov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Oral Microbiome ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Local Immunity ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Before And After

Relevance. A long-term inflammation in the oral cavity, unreasonable treatment of periodontal patients with antibiotics cause imbalance between certain types of fungal-bacterial associations accompanied by oral dysbiosis and change of local immune status. So, development and application of new comprehensive diagnosis and treatment techniques in periodontal patients, use of products for correction of microbiota and local immunity are a current and a long-term task. Purpose is to optimize the comprehensive treatment protocol of inflammatory periodontal diseases by introducing probiotics and evaluation of oral microbiome and cytokine profile.Materials and methods. 140 patients were examined. Of these 60 patients had chronic generalized plaque-induced gingivitis and 60 patients suffered from moderate chronic generalized periodontitis. Bacterial and fungal microbiome was assessed and the host immune response was evaluated in all patients before and after the treatment. Half of the patients were treated conventionally and the other half were treated according to a modified scheme: probiotic “Bifidumbacterin Forte” was added.Results. A large number of yeast-like fungi Candida and commensal bacteria were detected in periodontal pockets of patients with chronic generalized plaque-induced gingivitis and moderate chronic generalized periodontitis. That correlates with a significant increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL—8), decrease of concentration of INF-γ and increase of antiinflammatory cytokine IL-4.Conclusion. Changes in clinical, microbiological and immunological values during a modified combination therapy with a probiotic and during a conventional treatment demonstrated that effectiveness of treatment of chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis increased by 40% and 37% respectively.

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